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One in five London children misses out on first-choice primary school One in five London children misses out on first-choice primary school
(40 minutes later)
Up to a third of children in some parts of London have missed out on their first choice of primary school this year, figures show.Up to a third of children in some parts of London have missed out on their first choice of primary school this year, figures show.
Statistics published by the Pan-London Admissions Board revealed that across the capital more than one in five youngsters did not get a place at their preferred school.Statistics published by the Pan-London Admissions Board revealed that across the capital more than one in five youngsters did not get a place at their preferred school.
But the figures also reveal differences across the city, with children more likely to get their first choice in some areas than in others.But the figures also reveal differences across the city, with children more likely to get their first choice in some areas than in others.
In Kensington and Chelsea 64.9% of children starting primary school this September got their preferred option, while 35.1% of youngsters missed out, while in Wandsworth 69.37% of pupils got their first choice, with 30.63% missing out.In Kensington and Chelsea 64.9% of children starting primary school this September got their preferred option, while 35.1% of youngsters missed out, while in Wandsworth 69.37% of pupils got their first choice, with 30.63% missing out.
By contrast, 85.36% of pupils in Barking and Dagenham got their first choice, along with 86.01% in Tower Hamlets.By contrast, 85.36% of pupils in Barking and Dagenham got their first choice, along with 86.01% in Tower Hamlets.
Overall, the admissions board, which co-ordinates school places for London, said 78% of pupils got their first choice of primary school, while 90% got one of their top three choices, and 94% got one of their six preferences.Overall, the admissions board, which co-ordinates school places for London, said 78% of pupils got their first choice of primary school, while 90% got one of their top three choices, and 94% got one of their six preferences.
Families across London found out on Thursday which primary school their child had been allocated for this September. Across England, many families will be finding out their allocation over the next few weeks.Families across London found out on Thursday which primary school their child had been allocated for this September. Across England, many families will be finding out their allocation over the next few weeks.
Of 100,000 pupils in London applying for primary places this year, 6,220 youngsters did not get one of their choices. Of 100,000 pupils in London applying for primary places this year, 6,220 youngsters did not get one of their choices.
The reasons for this could include parents only listing one school, and a huge demand for some popular schools, the admissions board said.The reasons for this could include parents only listing one school, and a huge demand for some popular schools, the admissions board said.
Of these, 4,700 have been offered an alternative place, while around 1,500 currently have no school place.Of these, 4,700 have been offered an alternative place, while around 1,500 currently have no school place.
The chair of the Pan-London Admissions Board, Helen Jenner, said: "Co-ordinating school admissions in London has meant a fairer distribution of available offers and has resulted in more parents getting an offer from one of their preferred schools earlier.The chair of the Pan-London Admissions Board, Helen Jenner, said: "Co-ordinating school admissions in London has meant a fairer distribution of available offers and has resulted in more parents getting an offer from one of their preferred schools earlier.
"It is important to emphasise that although the system is very efficient, it cannot create places at schools which are already full and not all parents can be offered their first preference."It is important to emphasise that although the system is very efficient, it cannot create places at schools which are already full and not all parents can be offered their first preference.
"London local authorities are working hard to try to ensure that they can offer every child a school place but with this surge in demand it is becoming increasingly difficult.""London local authorities are working hard to try to ensure that they can offer every child a school place but with this surge in demand it is becoming increasingly difficult."
In Essex, 94% of parents have been offered their first or second preference of primary school. And 88% were given their first preference.In Essex, 94% of parents have been offered their first or second preference of primary school. And 88% were given their first preference.
Have you heard about a primary school place for your child this week? What is happening with admissions where you are? We will be updating our reports with figures on admissions from across the country, but tell us in the comments below the situation in your area.